Meet the Parents – Advice for new mummies and daddies with Motherhood: The Real Deal

August 31, 2016

It’s time again for my blog series featuring advice from a mummy or daddy who’s been there, done that and got the t-shirt! This week it’s Talya from Motherhood: The Real Deal.Tell me a bit about you, your blog and your family.

We are a little family of three – me and my partner, and my whirlwind of a three year old daughter. She was born while we were living and working out in Asia, then we relocated back to the UK when she was one (quite an upheaval!). I had to go back to work when she was three months old which was excruciating! I have since been a full time at home mum and part time working mum – the latter of which seems to keep everyone the happiest.

What one essential item would you insist on putting in your hospital bag (for you)?

A really comfy dressing gown. I lived in one this after I gave birth!

Was there anything unexpected that happened during labour, that you think first-time mums should be prepared for?

For some unknown reason on TV and films we are led to believe that our waters breaking is one of the first things that happens when we go into labour…actually it is usually one of the last! Also…giving birth feels like a total outer body experience.

What would be your one essential product for a newborn that no new parent should live without?

Scratch mitts – those tiny nails do a world of damage and it’s so upsetting to see almighty scratches on their face!

What’s the best piece of advice you were given before your first child was born?

Quite honestly…none!

What’s the worst piece of advice you were given?

I had some shocking hands on breastfeeding advice which when I look back made matters so much worse and stressful! In the end I didn’t manage to get my little one to latch until 3 months…but we made it in the end.

Breastfeeding is so challenging and it seems to be so difficult to get decent advice.

What would be your top tip for a first time parent-to-be?

Trust your instincts and have faith in yourself, and try not to be sucked in by everyone’s well-meaning advice or words. Also, try not to be too harsh on yourself…your world is going through a seismic shift!

What’s the hardest thing about being a new parent?

The combination of the intensity of it all, the unknown of it all, the anxiety that you are doing it right and the sleep deprivation.

Those first weeks are just so overwhelming, aren’t they?

What’s the best thing about being a new parent?

The incredible wonder of it all, and when you finally get rewarded for all that hard work you put in.